Pick of the week: Iridescent ties

Wading through unwanted sales leftovers in search of new spring buys can be tedious. Enter the back-to-work tie, a style fix

with minimum fuss that is both useful in the long-term and justifiable in the short.

Fretting about accessorising might be the least of Barack Obama's concerns as he moves into the White House next week, but

his inauguration outfit will be keenly observed. So far the president-elect appears to favour ties with little decor beyond a

diagonal stripe. Further investigations, however, reveal a sheen coupled with a slight pattern. Jaeger's classy silver tie

and Gieves & Hawkes's rich raspberry number are prime examples of this look.

Meanwhile, Burton's steely tie is the ideal day-through-night choice. Popular shades include metallic blues, lavenders and

greys, which add a glossy finish to crisp white shirts. Rolled-up sleeves, Obama-style, are optional, though do look

inexplicably good.